How Do I Know If I Have Peyronie’s Disease and Not Congenital Curvature?

Is your penis curved? If your penis bends to the right or left when erect, it could be normal, or it could be Peyronie’s disease. Let’s take a look at how to tell the difference.

Some men are born with a naturally curved penis. We call this a “congenital curvature.” A congenital curvature may, or may not be a problem. Most congenital curvatures of the penis are slight, and do not interfere with normal sexual relations, however even a natural curve could be severe enough to negatively impact your sex life.

Most of the time, that is the distinguishing factor between a congenital curve and Peyronie’s Disease. Men with Peyronie’s disease also have a curved or crooked penis. However, in the case of Peyronie’s, the curve almost always is severe enough to not allow normal sexual relations.

A curved penis caused by Peyronie’s, as opposed to a natural, or congenital curve, will also almost always be accompanied by pain. This is because rather than just being a “normal” part of your particular anatomy, the curve typical of Peyronie’s is caused by “plaque,” or scar tissue, that forms below the surface of the shaft of the penis. As the scarring increases, a curved penis caused by Peyronie’s disease, also may get worse over time. Curves you are born with will tend to stay the same.

Also, of course, if you generally can remember that your penis has almost always been curved, it is likely a congenital curvature. If the curve comes on later in your adult life after many years of having a straight penis, it is far more likely to be the result of Peyronie’s disease, than a congenital curve.

Doctors are not 100% sure what causes the scar tissue that causes the often painful curve of Peyronie’s.

The latest research on Peyronie’s disease seems to suggest that the plaque usually starts out as the result of some kind of trauma that causes injury inside the penis. Men with Peyronie’s often do not remember a specific injury, but are commonly involved in sports such as mountain biking, horseback riding, or motorcycle riding, which can contribute to the condition. Vigorous masturbation, or sexual activity has also been linked to Peyronie’s.

Other Signs Your Curved Penis May Be Peyronie’s Disease

It is very important to be able to tell the symptoms of Peyronie’s Disease from a congenital curvature of the penis. To recap, it may be Peyronie’s if your curved penis is interfering with your ability to perform normally, and if:

The curvature to your penis seemed to happen very suddenly, and is getting more pronounced over time

The curve in your penis is accompanied by pain or discomfort

Your penis curves very noticeably and consistently turned to one side, up, or down

The curve in your penis is accompanied by erectile dysfunction

Not all the problems with Peyronie’s Disease are physical. The issues surrounding Peyronie’s disease can also often cause depression, performance anxiety, and low self-esteem, all of which can contribute to performance issues and erectile dysfunction.